The following content is translated from Chinese source by machine translation without post-editing.
In the process of translating Vietnamese and Chinese, there are often some misunderstandings that not only affect the accuracy of the translation, but may also lead to misunderstandings or erroneous dissemination of information. Here are some common translation misconceptions and corresponding solutions.
1. Differences in language structure
There are significant differences in grammar structure between Vietnamese and Chinese. The sentence structure in Vietnamese is relatively flexible, with verbs usually located in the middle of the sentence, while Chinese places more emphasis on the fixed order of the subject, predicate, and object. This structural difference can easily lead to misunderstandings or loss of information during translation. For example, in Vietnamese, double negation may be used to express affirmation, while in Chinese, more explicit affirmative vocabulary is needed to convey the same meaning.
The solution to this problem is to make appropriate adjustments to the grammar structure of the sentence to ensure that the translated Chinese sentence conforms to the expression habits of the Chinese language. Translators need to have a deep understanding of the intention of the original text and make reasonable revisions based on Chinese grammar rules.
2. The issue of literal translation of vocabulary
Literal translation of vocabulary is one of the common misconceptions in translation. There are many words in Vietnamese and Chinese that have different meanings, and there are even situations where they cannot be directly corresponded. For example, the Vietnamese word ‘c ả m ơ n’ is directly translated as’ thank you ‘, but in practical use, the Chinese word’ thank you ‘may carry a more formal or strong emotional tone.
To avoid misunderstandings caused by literal translation of vocabulary, translators should choose appropriate Chinese vocabulary based on the actual needs of the context. Understanding the cultural background and emotional expression of the original text, choosing a Chinese expression that can convey the same intention is key.
3. Idioms and Misuse of Idioms
Idioms and idioms are often misunderstood in translation because these expressions often have unique cultural backgrounds and contexts. In Vietnamese, some idiomatic expressions and idioms may not have exact corresponding expressions in Chinese. For example, the Vietnamese phrase “Đ i ế c kh ô ng s ợ s ú ng” (literally translated as “not afraid of guns”) may not have a direct corresponding idiom in Chinese.
The method to address this issue is to convey the meaning of idioms or idioms to readers through free translation rather than literal translation. Translators need to understand the practical meaning of these idioms in culture and use similar Chinese expressions to convey the same concepts.
4. Misunderstandings caused by cultural differences
Cultural differences are another major challenge in translation. The cultural differences between Vietnam and China may lead to misunderstandings of certain concepts or expressions. For example, in Vietnamese culture, certain expressions may have special social or historical meanings that may not be well-known in Chinese.
In order to overcome the problems caused by cultural differences, translators need to have a profound understanding of both cultures, be able to keenly identify the unique expressions of these cultures, and explain or adjust them during translation to make them more suitable for Chinese readers’ understanding.
5. Deviation in tone and intonation
The tone and intonation may vary in different languages. Vietnamese and Chinese also have differences in tone when expressing politeness, emphasis, or negation. These differences may lead to the loss or misunderstanding of emotional colors during the translation process. For example, Vietnamese may use words with strong tones to express politeness, while in Chinese, more gentle expressions may be needed.
Translators need to adjust their tone and intonation according to Chinese expression habits to ensure that the translated text meets Chinese standards in terms of emotion and politeness. Pay attention to subtle differences in language to ensure accuracy and naturalness in translation.
6. Translation of proprietary terms
The translation of proper nouns is also a common misconception. In Vietnamese and Chinese, there may be inconsistencies in the translation of proper nouns such as place names, personal names, organizational structures, etc. For example, Vietnamese place names may have multiple translations in Chinese, but these translations are not always uniform.
When dealing with proper nouns, translators should follow the principle of consistency and use standardized translation methods. For uncertain proprietary terms, it is easy to consult relevant materials or professionals to ensure the accuracy and consistency of translation.
7. Balance between literal translation and free translation
Literal translation and free translation are two important methods in translation. In the translation from Vietnamese to Chinese, literal translation often leads to misunderstandings or unclear meanings, while free translation can better convey the intention of the original text. However, excessive free translation may cause the translation to lose certain details or features of the original text.
Translators need to find a balance between literal translation and free translation, being faithful to the original text while adapting the translation to the expression habits of Chinese. Through a deep understanding of the original text, translators can make the translation more natural and easy to understand while maintaining information accuracy.
8. Lack of context and background knowledge
The accuracy of translation often depends on a thorough understanding of the context and background knowledge of the original text. If the translator is not familiar with Vietnamese society, history, or customs, it is easy to overlook some details or misunderstandings during the translation process.
To avoid this situation, translators should conduct necessary background checks before translation to understand the relevant social, cultural, and historical backgrounds. This ensures that the translation is not only accurate, but also fully reflects the intention and cultural connotations of the original text.
The translation process between Vietnamese and Chinese is full of challenges and complexities. Understanding and addressing the common misconceptions mentioned above can significantly improve the accuracy and quality of translation. Translators need to have a solid language foundation and cultural knowledge, and flexibly apply translation skills in order to achieve accurate and effective information transmission in cross linguistic communication.
Post time: Nov-28-2024